Make the Most of Your Road Trip to Grand Palms Resort
- Kristen Meeker
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Millions of people flock to Myrtle Beach each year, and being a "drive-to" destination, most will head out on the open road. Before you hop in your car to head to Myrtle Beach, check out these tips to ensure your road trip runs smoothly!
Key Points
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Before You Leave Home
Make packing easier by using Vacation Gear, which will deliver beach items such as stand-up paddleboards and beach wheelchairs, as well as travel cribs and life jackets straight to your door! Free up some trunk space by giving them a call!
Cellular service can become spotty in rural areas or mountain passes. Use Google Maps to download offline maps of your route before leaving home.
Remember to pack a basic first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and check that your spare tire is properly inflated before hitting the road.
Collect all of your swim gear and pack all these items together. When it's time to hit the pool or the beach, you can easily find all of your toys, goggles and swimsuits and hit the water!
Create a "snack station" using hanging organizers on the back of the front seats, or pack snacks into individual gallon-sized Ziploc bags to avoid passing food back and forth.
Messes are bound to happen and having a towel and plastic bag ready will help with spills and unforseen mishaps.
On Your Way Into Town
If driving through Aynor, SC, or Tabor City, NC, keep an eye on your speed as you come through these small towns. The speed limit drops drastically and unexpectedly, so be sure to keep an eye on your speedometer.
Buc-ee's, the ultimate pit stop, is located 90 minutes from the Resort, in Florence, SC. Buc-ee's is the perfect place to fill up the tank, grab some coffee, and browse through the many delicious food options for your last leg of the trip to Grand Palms Resort.
Fun Stops Along the Way
The best route depends on where you’re coming from, but most drives to Myrtle Beach connect through major highways like I-95, US-17, or US-501. Many travelers choose routes that allow for scenic or historic stops along the way.
Brookgreen Gardens
19 minutes south of Grand Palms Resort
Located just south of nearby Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens offers a blend of art, nature, and history that makes it well worth a stop. This 9,000-acre property features one of the country’s largest outdoor sculpture gardens, beautifully landscaped walking trails, and the Lowcountry Zoo.
Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk
15 minutes south of Grand Palms Resort
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk presents a lively waterfront boardwalk well-known for its easy-going atmosphere, beautiful views of the adjacent salt marsh, and fresh seafood.
Plan a stop along your drive to amble down the half-mile wooden path, enjoy live music and enjoy a drink or meal at one of the world-class local restaurants.
Conway, SC
26 minutes south of Grand Palms Resort
Conway offers a delightful small-town getaway with scenic riverfront views and a walkable historic downtown, and is right on the way to the beach for most road trippers. Visitors can explore local shops and cafés, or visit the Horry County Museum to discover the area's history.
Wilmington, NC
1 hour 40 minutes north of Grand Palms Resort
Wilmington is a vibrant riverfront city with a rich mix of history, culture, and beach-town energy—and is located less than two hours from Grand Palms Resort! Explore the Battleship North Carolina, stroll the scenic Riverwalk, or wander down the streets of the historic downtown.
Utilize these tips to make your road trip to Grand Palms Resort more enjoyable and manageable, regardless of which highway you choose! Reserve your stay by clicking here or by calling one of our friendly Guest Services Representatives at 888-913-4477.
Kristen Meeker
(She/her)
Kristen spent her childhood on the Grand Strand. She studied English and editing in college, spent time in Appalachia and currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. Kristen enjoys quilting, reading, and traveling with her family. She makes her way back to the beach as often as she can!
